IQMS Blog for Manufacturing ERP Expertise

Constantly striving to learn and improve, IQMS' management team follows a wide variety of blogs written by industry and subject matter experts. Over the past year, we have been struck by a number of articles that we feel need to be shared with our readers. From topics we consider very important to columns that we found inspirational or simply couldn't have said better ourselves, this new blog series is devoted to some of our favorite writers. We hope you enjoy the articles as much as we did.

When investing in an ERP software package, you are typically responsible for two charges: the initial software purchase and ongoing maintenance fees. Whether you pay annually or on a month-by-month basis, maintenance costs are traditionally a percentage of your total software purchase. Unfortunately, what you get in return for your payment varies greatly from ERP vendor to ERP vendor.

Hellllooooooo, Las Vegas! I have been waiting weeks for the arrival of User Group 2014 and finally, after two years in the making, it is here! And let me tell you, Day 1 did not disappoint - It was a whirlwind of networking, learning and fun. If you were unable to attend User Group 2014, let me give you a quick peek into what you missed today:

You may feel that it is time to make use of your ERP software's automation to quicken the pace of closing out your books at month-end and to maintain your perpetual inventory value. Regardless of whether you pursue standard or actual costing in your manufacturing plant, there is no doubt that implementing costing is critical to understanding where your money is being made and lost on the shop floor.

It's official: Registration for User Group 2014 has opened! In celebration of IQMS' 25th anniversary, we have compiled a list of the top 25 reasons you don't want to miss this conference. Jam-packed with strategic guidance, tips and tricks, best practices, software development and dynamic networking, you are certain to leave with actionable takeaways to maximize your software utilization. So without further ado, here are the top 25 reasons you should attend User Group 2014:

What comes to mind when you hear the word "lean?" Being a few months into 2014, what you might think of is that New Year's resolution that you've already given up on. However, if you're in manufacturing, one area that is at the top of your "lean" list is not going to the gym, but rather inventory control. Being lean in business is the key to success and when it comes to inventory control, what better tool do you have to help you get there than your ERP system?

You have invested in a new ERP system, endured the implementation process and have begun using the software to manage your business. But somewhere along the line, you start to lose momentum. Slowly, without realizing it, your employees begin reverting to their old ways and processes. Frustrations with the system surface and suddenly, you find that your ERP software is not performing as you had envisioned. As more time goes by, you realize that your ERP system is failing your needs. How did this happen?

Fear of the unknown can be a limiting factor or it can be stimulation for growth. Risk is inherent with any enterprise (we all know about the risk/reward ratio and the opportunity/cost matrix). Venturing into the unknown, or less-well defined, can instigate growth and advancement and taking a shot into the dark, into the unknown, can bring unimagined rewards.

Now, more than ever, manufacturing companies are reviewing their budgets to identify areas where cuts can be made. All too often, employee training is among the expenses that fall "below the red line". However, those that consider training an investment, rather than an expense, realize that now is the time to develop employees and prepare for growth and better times to come. This is especially true when cuts have included personnel layoffs where remaining employees need the tools and knowledge necessary to efficiently do their job and take on new tasks as well.

Your manufacturing business is constantly changing. Whether those changes are the result of new customer requirements, employee turnover, process/product improvements or one of a thousand other possibilities, the one question you must ask is: "Is my ERP software keeping up?" If it's not, I could suggest a new solution.